Structure for an electromagnetic machine having compression and tension members

ABSTRACT

A structure of an electromagnetic machine includes an outer support member configured to support a conductive winding or a magnet. The structure further includes an inner support member, a first elongate compression member, a second elongate compression member, and an elongate tension member. The first elongate compression member and the second elongate compression member each include a first end portion coupled to the outer support member and a second end portion coupled to the inner support member to resist radial and axial deflection of the outer support member relative inner support member. The elongate tension member includes a first end portion coupled to the first compression member and a second end portion coupled to one of the inner support or the second elongate compression member to resist rotational deflection of the outer support member relative to the inner support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/561,433, entitled “Structure for an Electromagnetic Machine HavingCompression and Tension Members,” filed Jul. 30, 2012, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate to electromagnetic machines andmore particularly to structures for an electronic machine having tensionand compression components.

Permanent magnet electromagnetic machines (referred to as “permanentmagnet machines” or electromagnetic machines” herein) utilize magneticflux from permanent magnets to convert mechanical energy to electricalenergy or vice versa. Various types of permanent magnet machines areknown, including axial flux machines, radial flux machines, andtransverse flux machines, in which one component rotates about an axisor translates along an axis, either in a single direction or in twodirections (e.g., reciprocating, with respect to another component).Such machines typically include windings to carry electric currentthrough coils that interact with the flux from the magnets throughrelative movement between the magnets and the windings. In a commonindustrial application arrangement, the permanent magnets are mountedfor movement (e.g., on a rotor or otherwise moving part) and thewindings are mounted on a stationary part (e.g., on a stator or thelike). Other configurations, typical for low power, inexpensive machinesoperated from a direct current source where the magnets are stationaryand the machine's windings are part of the rotor (energized by a deviceknown as a “commutator” with “brushes”) are clearly also available, butwill not be discussed in detail in the following text in the interest ofbrevity.

In an electric motor, for example, current is applied to the windings inthe stator, causing the magnets (and therefore the rotor) to moverelative to the windings, thus converting electrical energy intomechanical energy. In a generator, application of an external force tothe generator's rotor causes the magnets to move relative to thewindings, and the resulting generated voltage causes current to flowthrough the windings—thus converting mechanical energy into electricalenergy. In an AC induction motor, the rotor is energized byelectromagnetic induction produced by electromagnets that cause therotor to move relative to the windings on the stator, which areconnected directly to an AC power source and can create a rotatingmagnetic field when power is applied.

Surface mounted permanent magnet machines are a class of permanentmagnet machines in which the magnets are mounted on a ferromagneticstructure, or backing, commonly referred to as a back iron. Suchmachines are generally the lowest cost and lightest weight permanentmagnet machines, but they typically suffer from limitations inperformance that can be traced to a variety of design concerns. One suchdesign concern is the size of the air gap between the stator and therotor, as the electromagnetic efficiency of such machines tends toimprove as the air gap size is reduced. Maintaining a constant air gapsize is also important, both to avoid a collision between the rotor andthe stator and to avoid unwanted currents, flux effects, and otherload-related losses caused by eccentricities in the air gap. Consistencyin air gap size is typically achieved by ensuring that the machine'sstator and rotor (and any supporting structure) are stiff enough towithstand expected outside forces during assembly and operation.Significant violations of air gap size, such as where the air gap isnearly closed or is closed altogether, can be dangerous or destructiveto equipment and personnel, particularly if the air gap is compromisedduring operation of the electromagnetic machine.

As the size of an electromagnetic machine increases (e.g., as known inwind power generation), dependence on structural stiffness to ensurethat a minimum air gap clearance is maintained can become costly and/orcan affect the overall efficiency of the machine due to the weight ofthe required structure. For example, generators of direct drive windturbines tend to be large in diameter, ring like structures capable ofhandling large amounts of torque at low revolutions per minute. Suchgenerators typically rely on a very stiff structure in torsion, withequally stiff responses to forces applied in the radial and axialdirections. Such an approach is even more prevalent in an iron corepermanent magnet generator where a small air gap is competing with highattractive forces between the rotor and the iron core stator from themagnets.

In an air core permanent magnet machine having no attractive forcesbetween the stator and the rotor, the structure of the machine can besofter and lighter. For example, the structure can be soft axially andangularly, but stiff in torsion (or azimuthally). In such an air corepermanent magnet machine, it may be desirable to allow the generatorouter support member to deform axially, while maintaining a desiredamount of torsional stiffness and/or its resistance to axial, radialand/or rotational deflections. Thus, a need exists for improvedapparatus and methods to increase the structural efficiency of anelectromagnetic machine and/or improve the ability of theelectromagnetic machine to resist deflection in a variety of differentdirections.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods for increasing the structural efficiency of astructure in an electromagnetic machine and/or increasing thestructure's resistance to deflection are described herein. In someembodiments, a structure included in an electromagnetic machine includesan outer support member configured to support one of a conductivewinding or a magnet. The structure further includes an inner supportmember, a first elongate compression member, a second elongatecompression member, and an elongate tension member. The first elongatecompression member and the second elongate compression member eachinclude a first end portion coupled to the outer support member and asecond end portion coupled to the inner support member and can resistradial and axial deflection of the outer support member relative innersupport member. The elongate tension member includes a first end portioncoupled to a portion of the first compression member and a second endportion coupled to the inner support or the second elongate compressionmember and can resist rotational deflection of the outer support memberrelative to the inner support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a generator structure according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of an enlarged portion of theportion of a generator structure of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustration of the enlarged portion of thegenerator structure of FIG. 2 shown without the tension members andunder load.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view illustration of a portion of a generatorstructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of increasing thestructural efficiency of a structure included in an electromagneticmachine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus and methods for increasing the structural efficiency of astructure in an electromagnetic machine and/or increasing thestructure's resistance to deflection are described herein. For example,the structural efficiency can be increased by controlling and balancingthe stiffness and/or mass of the various components of anelectromagnetic machine. In some embodiments, a structure included in anelectromagnetic machine includes an outer support member configured tosupport a conductive winding or a magnet. The structure further includesan inner support member, a first elongate compression member, a secondelongate compression member, and an elongate tension member. The firstelongate compression member and the second elongate compression membereach include a first end portion coupled to the outer support member anda second end portion coupled to the inner support member and can resistradial and axial deflection of the outer support member relative innersupport member. The elongate tension member includes a first end portioncoupled to a portion of the first compression member and a second endportion coupled to one of the inner support or the second elongatecompression member and can resist rotational deflection of the outersupport member relative to the inner support member.

In some embodiments, a structure included in an electromagnetic machineincludes an outer support member configured to support a conductivewinding or a magnet. The structure further includes an inner supportmember having an axial width, an elongate compression member, and anelongate tension member. The elongate compression member includes afirst end portion coupled to the outer support member and a second endportion coupled to the inner support member at a first location alongthe axial width. The elongate tension member includes a first endportion coupled to a portion of the elongate compression member and asecond end portion coupled to the inner support member at a secondlocation along the axial width, substantially different than the firstlocation (e.g., the second end portion of the compression member and thesecond end portion of the tension member are spaced apart). The elongatecompression member is configured to resist radial and rotationaldeflection of the outer support member relative to the inner supportmember. The elongate tension member is configured to resist axialdeflection of the outer support member relative to the inner supportmember.

In some embodiments, a kit included in an electromagnetic machineincludes an outer support member segment configured to support aconductive winding or a magnet. The kit further includes an innersupport member, a first elongate compression member, and an elongatetension member. The first elongate compression member includes a firstend portion coupled to the outer support member segment and a second endportion coupled to the inner support member to resist radial and axialdeflection of the outer support member relative to the inner supportmember. The elongate tension member includes a first end portion coupledto a portion of the first elongate compression member and a second endportion coupled to one of the inner support member or a second elongatecompression member to resist rotational deflection or axial deflectionof the outer support member relative to the inner support member. Atleast the outer support member segment, the inner support member, thefirst elongate compression member, and the elongate tension member areconfigured to be coupled to form a structure included in anelectromagnetic machine.

In some embodiments, a method includes coupling a first end of a firstelongate compression member to an outer support member segment. Theouter support member is configured to support a conductive winding or amagnet. The method further includes coupling a second end portion of thefirst elongate compression member to an inner support member. The firstelongate compression member is configured to resist radial and axialdeflection of the outer support member segment relative to the innersupport member when coupled therebetween. The method also includescoupling a first end portion of an elongate tension member to a portionof the first compression member and coupling a second end portion of theelongate tension member to the inner support member or a second elongatecompression member. The first elongate tension member is configured toresist one of rotational deflection or axial deflection of the outersupport member segment relative to the inner support member.

Electromagnetic machines as described herein can be various types ofsynchronous and asynchronous machines, such as wound field synchronousmachines, induction machines, doubly fed induction machines (presentlycommonly found in the wind energy conversion market), permanent magnetmachines, including axial flux machines, radial flux machines, andtransverse flux machines, in which one component rotates about an axisor translates along an axis, either in a single direction or in twodirections (e.g., reciprocating, with respect to another component).Such machines typically include windings to carry electric currentthrough coils that interact with the flux from the magnets throughrelative movement between the magnets and the windings. In a commonindustrial application arrangement (including the embodiments describedherein), the permanent magnets are mounted for movement (e.g., on arotor or otherwise moving part) and the windings are mounted on astationary part (e.g., on a stator or the like). Some embodimentsdescribed herein focus on the permanent magnet variety ofelectromagnetic machines.

Although the embodiments described herein are described with referenceto use within an electromagnetic machine (e.g., a rotor/stator assemblyas described herein), it should be understood that the embodimentsdescribed herein can also be used within other machines or mechanisms.Furthermore, while described herein as being implemented in or on astator assembly, it should be understood that the embodiments describedherein can be implemented in or on a stator and/or rotor assembly.

Some embodiments described herein address axial field, air core, surfacemounted permanent magnet generator rotor/stator configurations; but itshould be understood that the features, functions and methods describedherein can be implemented in radial field, transverse field and embeddedmagnet configurations that also employ an air core stator configuration.Embodiments described herein can also be applied to electrically excitedrotors commonly found in industrial and utility applications, such aswound field synchronous and devices common in the wind energy conversionindustry known as “doubly fed induction generators.” Furthermore,although the embodiments described herein refer to relatively largeelectromagnetic machines and/or components such as those found in windpower generators, it should be understood that the embodiments describedherein are not meant to limit the scope or implementation of theapparatus and methods to that particular application.

As used herein, the term “axial deflection” can refer to, for example,the deflection (e.g., the bending, swaying, deforming, moving, etc.) ofa component in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of anelectromagnetic machine. For example, in a generator having a rotor thatis rotatably movable relative to a stator, a component of the stator canbe said to have axial deflection when a portion of the component, ismoved in a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotor.

As used herein, the term “rotational deflection” can refer to, forexample, the deflection (e.g., the bending, swaying, deforming, moving,etc.) of a component in a direction of rotation of an electromagneticmachine. Such deflection can also be referred to as torsionaldeflection. In instances of large components and structures used inrotating flux machines (e.g., as seen in wind power generators) a smallamount of deflection in the rotational direction can be consideredtangential deflection.

As used herein, the term “radial deflection” can refer to, for example,deflection in a direction radially inward toward an axis of rotation ofan electromagnetic machine or radially outward from the axis ofrotation. For example, an outer support member of a stator or of a rotorcan deflect in a radial direction toward an inner support member (e.g.,hub) of the stator or rotor.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a generator structure 100,according to an embodiment. The generator structure 100 can be disposedin an electromagnetic machine, such as, for example, an axial flux,radial flux, or transverse flux machine. More specifically, thegenerator structure 100 described herein can be a stator assembly of,for example, an electric motor or an electric generator that includes arotor assembly that can move relative to the stator assembly. Forexample, in some embodiments, the rotor assembly can include a rotorportion that rotates relative to the stator assembly (e.g., rotates withthe direction of flux from rotor to stator generally in the axial orradial direction). The stator assembly can include or support, forexample, an air core type stator without any ferromagnetic material tosupport a set of copper windings or conduct magnetic flux. An air corestator can include an annular array of stator segments (not shown) andone or more conductive windings (not shown) or one or more magnets (notshown). Each air core stator segment can include a printed circuit boardsub-assembly (not shown), or other means known of structurallyencapsulating the windings in non-ferromagnetic materials. In someembodiments, the printed circuit board sub assemblies can be similar tothat described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,625, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/144,642, and International Application No. PCT/US2010/000112,each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. In some embodiments, a stator assembly can include orsupport a conventional iron-core construction arranged similarly to theair core concept described above.

In an alternative embodiment, the generator structure 100 can be a rotorassembly included in the electromagnetic machine. For example, asdescribed above, a rotor assembly can include one or more rotor portionsthat move relative to a stator. In such embodiments where the generatorstructure 100 is a rotor assembly, the rotor assembly can include orsupport one or more magnetic flux generating members, such as, forexample, magnets (e.g., a magnet pole assembly, or array of magnets) orwindings (each not shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the magnetscan include an array of magnets and can be, for example, permanentmagnets, electromagnets or a combination of both. For example, in aninduction machine or wound field synchronous machine, the magnets areelectromagnets. A winding can be, for example, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, the generator structure 100 (e.g., a statorassembly) includes an outer support member 110 and an inner supportmember 120. The outer support member 110 can be any suitable structureor assembly and is configured to support, for example, any number ofprinted circuit boards (referred to here as “PCBs”) including orencapsulating a set of windings. The inner support member 120 can be anysuitable structure. For example, in some embodiments, the inner supportmember 120 can be substantially annular and can be configured as a hub.

The generator structure 100 further includes at least an elongatecompression member 130 and at least an elongate tension member 150. Theelongate compression member 130 (also referred to herein as “compressionmember”) can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example,in some embodiments, the compression member 130 has a substantiallyI-shaped cross-section (e.g., the compression member 130 is an I-beam).In other embodiments, the compression member 130 is a substantiallyhollow, closed structure such as, for example, a box tubing (e.g.,square or rectangular tubing). In still other embodiments, thecompression member 130 can be substantially solid. In this manner, thecompression member 130 can be formed from any suitable material such asa metal, metal alloy (e.g., steel or steel alloy), and/or composite. Thecompression member 130 can be coupled between the outer support member110 and the inner support member 120. For example, the compressionmember 130 can include a first end coupled to the outer support member110 and a second end coupled to the inner support member 120. Forexample, in some embodiments, the compression member 130 includesflanged end portions configured to be coupled to the outer supportmember 110 and the inner support member 120 (e.g., welded, bolted,riveted, pinned, adhered, or any combination thereof).

The elongate tension member 150 (also referred to herein as “tensionmember”) can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration. In someembodiments, the tension member 150 can be a cable such as, for example,a steel braided cable or the like. In some embodiments, the tensionmember 150 includes a first end portion coupled to a portion of thecompression member 130 and a second end portion coupled to the innersupport member 120. In other embodiments, the first end portion of thetension member 150 can be coupled to a portion of the compression member130 and the second end portion of the tension member 150 can be coupledto a portion of an adjacent compression member (not shown in FIG. 1).

As described above, in some embodiments, a rotor included in anelectromagnetic machine can be configured to rotate relative to a stator(e.g., the generator structure 100) in response to an external force,for example, a rotational or torsional force transmitted through a driveshaft coupled to a wind powered turbine. In such embodiments, it can bedesirable to include a stator (e.g., the generator structure 100) thatis axially and angularly soft, but of a given stiffness, for example,such that the size of an air gap between the rotor and the stator can becontrolled. Expanding further, in some embodiments, the outer supportmember 110 can be formed from a relatively soft and/or compliantmaterial such that the outer support member 110 is urged to deflectduring operation. For example, in some embodiments, the outer supportmember 110 can be urged to deflect by an air gap control mechanism suchas those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/445,206, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In this manner, the compression member 130 and the tension member 150can be collectively configured to substantially increase the structuralefficiency and/or increase resistance to deflection of the generatorstructure 100. For example, in some embodiments, the compression member130 can be configured to resist axial, radial, and/or rotationaldeflection of the outer support member 110. In such embodiments, thecross-sectional shape of the compression member 130 can be configured toresist the deflection. In addition to or alternatively, a force can beapplied to the compression member 130 such that the compression member130 further resists axial and/or radial deflection, as described below.Thus, improved structural efficiency can be achieved by, for example,controlling and balancing stiffness and/or mass of various components ofthe generator structure 100.

In some embodiments, the tension member 150 can be selectively coupledto the inner support member 120 such that the tension within at least aportion of the tension member 150 can be selectively defined. Forexample, in some embodiments, the tension member 150 can be selectivelycoupled to the inner support member 120 via a slip ring or otherclamping device configured to allow for the selective movement of thetension member 150 relative to the inner support member 120. In someembodiments, the tension member 150 can be coupled to the inner supportmember 120 such that a first end portion (e.g., the end portionselectively coupled to the inner support member 120) can be movedrelative to the inner support member 120. Thus, with the opposite endportion (e.g., a second end portion) of the tension member 150 coupledto the compression member 130, the movement of the first end portionrelative to the inner support member 120 places the tension member 150in tension. In this manner, the tension member 150 can be configured toresist axial and/or rotational deflection of the outer support member110 relative to the inner support member 120.

The compression member 130 can further be configured to exert a reactionforce in response to the tension within the tension member 150.Expanding further, with the tension member 150 coupled to a portion ofthe compression member 130, the tension within the tension member 150exerts a force on the compression member 130 such that the compressionmember 130 is placed in compression. In this manner, the compressionmember 130 and the tension member 150 can collectively resist deflectionof the outer support member 110 in the axial, radial, and/or rotationaldirection.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the generator structure 100 canoptionally include a second tension member 155. In such embodiments, thefirst tension member 150 can be disposed on a first side of thecompression member 130 and the second tension member 150 can be disposedon a second side of the compression member 130. More specifically, insome embodiments, the first side of the compression member 130 cancorrespond to a side of the compression member 130 substantiallyopposite the direction of rotation of the rotor and the second side ofthe compression member 130 can correspond to a side substantiallyopposite the first side. In this manner, the first tension member 150and the second tension member 155 can be selectively placed in tensionto collectively resist the deflection of the outer support member 110.In some embodiments, the magnitude of tension within the first tensionmember 150 and the second tension member 155 is substantially similar.In other embodiments, the magnitude of tension within the first tensionmember 150 can be greater than the magnitude of tension within thesecond tension member 155. In this manner, the first tension member 150can be configured to substantially resist the rotational deflection ofthe outer support member 110 relative to the inner support member 120.

In some embodiments, the first tension member 150 can be coupled to afirst side of the compression member and coupled to the inner supportmember 120 at a first location along a width of the inner support member120. Similarly, the second tension member 155 can be coupled to a secondside of the compression member opposite the first side, and coupled tothe inner support member 120 at a second location along the width of theinner support member 120. In this manner, the first tension member 150and the second tension member 155 can be configured to resist axialand/or rotational deflection of the outer support member 110 relative tothe inner support member 120 as described in more detail below withreference to specific embodiments.

In some embodiments, the generator structure 100 can include the firsttension member 150 and/or the second tension member 155 and optionallyinclude a secondary tension member 160. For example, in suchembodiments, the secondary tension member 160 can include a first endportion coupled to the compression member 130 at a second location alonga length of the compression member 130 different than the first locationto which the first tension member 150 (or second tension member 155) iscoupled, and a second end portion coupled to the inner support member120 (or an adjacent compression member, as described above for tensionmember 150). For example, in some embodiments, the second location onthe compression member 130 can be closer to the inner support member 120than the first location (e.g., the location at which the tension member150 or second tension member 155 are coupled). Thus, the secondarytension member 160 can be shorter than the tension member 150. In someembodiments, the generator structure 100 can include an additionalsecondary tension member 165 configured to be coupled to the compressionmember 130 and to the inner support member 120 (or an adjacentcompression member 130). In this manner, the tension members 150 and 155and the secondary tension members 160 and 165 can be selectivelyarranged to resist at least a portion of the axial and/or rotationaldeflection of the outer support member 110. Although two tension members150 and 155 and two secondary tension members 160 and 165 are describedas coupled to the compression member 130, it should be understood thatmore or less tension members and more or less secondary tension memberscan be included.

In some embodiments, the generator structure 100 can also include one ormore transverse compression members 180. The transverse compressionmember(s) 180 can be coupled to the compression member 130 at anysuitable position along a length of a longitudinal axis defined by thecompression member 130. Furthermore, the transverse compressionmember(s) 180 can be coupled to the compression member 130 such that thetransverse compression member(s) 180 extend at an angle relative to thecompression member 130. For example, in some embodiments, the transversecompression member(s) 180 can extend perpendicularly from thecompression member 130. In other embodiments, the transverse compressionmember(s) 180 can extend at a different angle relative to thecompression member 130. In this manner, a transverse compression member180 can be coupled to the compression member 130 and extend at an angle(e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of the compression member130 and be coupled to a portion of the tension member 150 (or tensionmember 155, secondary tension member 160, or secondary tension member165). For example, in some embodiments, the transverse compressionmember 180 can be coupled to the compression member 130 and/or thetension member 150 with a coupling mechanism, such as, for example, abolt, welding, a pivotal coupling, etc. In some embodiments, thetransverse compression member 180 can include a coupling feature orfeatures, such as, for example, a u-shaped coupler(s) that can engagethe tension member 150 and/or compression member 130. The transversecompression member 180 can distribute and/or reconfigure the forceapplied to the compression member 130 by the tension member 150 (and/ortension members 155, 160, 165). Thus, the compression member 130, thetension member 150, and the transverse compression member(s) 180 cancollectively resist the axial, radial, and/or rotational deflection ofthe outer support member 110 relative to the inner support member 120depending on the particular configuration. Furthermore, the transversecompression member(s) 180 can be configured to resist buckling of thecompression member 130.

A generator structure 100 can include various combinations of thedifferent types of tension members (e.g., 150, 155, 160, 165) andcompression members (e.g., 130, 180) to provide resistance to deflectionand/or improved structural efficiency to the generator structure 100depending on the particular structure and application. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments are described herein having a subset of the variouscomponents, it should be understood that other configurations,combinations and sub-combinations can alternatively be included.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a generator structure 200 includes at leastan outer support member 210, an inner support member 220, an elongatecompression member 230 (also referred to herein as “compression member”230), a first elongate tension member 250, and a second elongate tensionmember 255 (also referred to herein as a “first tension member” and asecond tension member, respectively). As shown in FIG. 2, the generatorstructure 200 further includes a series of compression members 230′,first tension members 250′, and second tension members 255′. Thecompression members 230′ and the tension members 250′ and 255′ aresubstantially similar to the compression member 230 and the tensionmembers 250 and 255, described in further detail herein. Therefore, thecompression members 230′ and the tension members 250′ and 255′ are notdescribed in further detail herein. Furthermore, the generator structure200 can include any number of compression members and tension members.For example, in this embodiment, the generator structure 200 includessix compression members (230 and 230′), six first tension members (250and 250′), and six second tension members (255 and 255′). In otherembodiments, a generator structure can include more or less than six.For example, in some embodiments, a generator structure can includethree, four, five, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or more. Instill other embodiments, a generator structure can include less than sixcompression members and first and second tension members.

The generator structure 200 can be any suitable structure included in anelectromagnetic machine. For example, in this embodiment, the generatorstructure 200 is a stator. As described above in reference to FIG. 1,the outer support member 210 can be a set of PCBs configured tosubstantially encapsulate a set of windings. Similarly, the innersupport member 220 can be any suitable structure such as, for example, ahub.

The compression member 230 includes a first end portion 231 and a secondend portion 232 and is configured to extend between the outer supportmember 210 and the inner support member 220. The compression member 230can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example, in someembodiments, the compression member 230 can have a substantiallyrectangular or square cross-section. In other embodiments, thecompression member 230 is an I-beam. The first end portion 231 of thecompression member 230 is coupled to the outer support member 210 andthe second end portion 232 of the compression member 230 is coupled tothe inner support member 220. More specifically, the first end portion231 and the second end portion 232 can be any suitable shape and/orinclude any suitable structure to couple to the outer support member 210and the inner support member 220, respectively. For example, in someembodiments, the first end portion 231 and the second end portion 232can form a flange configured to mate with a portion of the outer supportmember 210 and a portion of the inner support member 220, respectively.In some embodiments, the first end portion 231 and the second endportion 232 can be bolted to the outer support member 210 and the innersupport member 220, respectively. In other embodiments, the end portions231 and 232 can be riveted, welded, pinned, adhered, or any combinationthereof.

The first tension member 250 includes a first end portion 251 coupled toa portion of the compression member 230 and a second end portion 252coupled to the inner support member 220 or a portion of an adjacentcompression member 230′. Similarly, the second tension member 255includes a first end portion 256 coupled to a portion of the compressionmember 230 and a second end portion 257 coupled to the inner supportmember 220 of a portion of an adjacent compression member 230′. As shownin FIG. 2, the first tension member 250 is coupled to a first side ofthe compression member 230 and the second tension member 255 is coupledto a second side of the compression member 230, substantially oppositethe first side.

The first tension member 250 and the second tension member 255 can beany suitable shape, size, or configuration. For example, in someembodiments, the first tension member 250 and the second tension member255 are cable (e.g., steel braided cable or the like). In someembodiments, the first tension member 250 and the second tension member255 can be substantially similar. In other embodiments, for example, thefirst tension member 250 and the second tension member 255 can havedifferent shapes, sizes and/or configurations. For example, the firsttension member 250 and the second tension member 255 can be cables andcan have a different diameter (e.g., the cables are of a differentdiameter, thickness, or perimeter).

As shown in FIG. 3, the first tension member 250 and the second tensionmember 255 can be placed in tension by moving the second end portion 252of the first tension member 250 in the direction of the arrow AA and thesecond end portion 257 of the second tension member 255 in the directionof the arrow BB. For example, in some embodiments, the second endportion 252 of the first tension member 250 and the second end portion257 of the second tension member 255 can be selectively coupled to theinner support member 220 such that the second end portions 252 and 257can be moved relative to the inner support member 220. In this manner,the first tension member 250 and the second tension member 255 can beplaced in tension. Expanding further, the first end portion 251 of thefirst tension member 250 and the first end portion 256 of the secondtension member 255 can be coupled to the compression member 230 suchthat the first end portions 251 and 256 do not substantially move whenthe second end portion 252 of the first tension member 250 and thesecond end portion 257 of the second tension member 255 are moved in thedirection of the arrows AA and BB, respectively. Thus, the movement ofthe second end portions 252 and 257 can produce an elongation of thefirst tension member 250 and the second tension member 255,respectively, such that the first tension member 250 and the secondtension member 255 are placed in tension.

Although not shown, in alternative embodiments, the first tension member250 and the second tension member 255 can be placed in tension by, forexample, moving the first end portion 251 of the first tension member250 in a direction opposite of the arrow AA and the first end portion256 of the second tension member 255 in a direction opposite of thearrow BB. In another alternative embodiment, the first tension member250 can be placed in tension by moving the second end portion 252 of thefirst tension member 250 in the direction of the arrow AA and the firstend portion 251 in the direction opposite of the arrow AA. Similarly,the second tension member 255 can be placed in tension by moving thesecond end portion 257 of the second tension member 255 in the directionof the arrow BB and the first end portion 256 in the direction oppositeof the arrow BB.

In another alternative embodiment, a turnbuckle mechanism (not shown)can be used to place the first tension member 250 and/or the secondtension member 255 in tension. For example, a turnbuckle mechanism canbe coupled to the first tension member 250 at a location along a lengthof the first tension member 250 (e.g., at substantially at a middlelocation along the length), and another turnbuckle mechanism can becoupled to the second tension member 255 at a location along a length ofthe second tension member 255 (e.g., at substantially at a middlelocation along the length). In yet another alternative embodiment, thegenerator structure 200 can include a hydraulic tensioning device (notshown) that can be used to place the first tension member 250 and/or thesecond tension member 255 in tension.

The tension within the first tension member 250 and the second tensionmember 255 is such that a compression force is exerted on thecompression member 230. Similarly stated, the movement of the second endportion 252 of the first tension member 250 and the movement of thesecond end portion 257 of the second tension member 255 is such that acompression force is introduced to the portion of the compression member230 that is coupled to the first tension member 250 and the secondtension member 255. In this manner, the compression member 230 exerts areaction force in the direction of the arrow CC. Furthermore, thecompression force within the compression member 230 and the tensile(tension) force within the first tension member 250 and the secondtension member 255 are in equilibrium while the generator structure 200is in an unloaded state (e.g., when a rotor disposed for movementrelative to the structure 200 (e.g., stator) is in a fixed locationrelative to the structure 200).

In use, the compression member 230, the first tension member 250, andthe second tension member 255 are collectively configured to resistdeflection of the outer support member 210 relative to the inner supportmember 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, without the addition of thetension members 250 and 255, during operation of an electromagneticmachine in which the generator structure 200 can be disposed, the outersupport member 210 can tend to be urged to move in a tangential orrotational direction indicated by the arrow DD. In some embodiments, themovement of the outer support member 210 can be in response to forcesintroduced and/or transferred through the rotation of a rotor relativeto a stator (e.g., the generator structure 200). As shown in FIG. 4, themovement of the outer support member 210 in the rotational (tangential)direction DD can be such that when the generator structure 200 does notinclude tension members 250 and 255 the first end portion 231 isdeflected in the direction of rotation to a second position as indicatedin dashed lines in FIG. 4, thus deflecting and/or deforming thecompression member 230.

The arrangement of the compression member 230, the first tension member250, and the second tension member 255 within the generator structure200 can be such that the deflection of the outer support member 210described above can be substantially limited or eliminated. Similarlystated, the compression member 230, the first tension member 250, andthe second tension member 255 can collectively resist the deflection ofthe outer support member 210, and therefore limit or eliminatedeflection or deformation of the compression member 230. Expandingfurther, the pre-loaded tension within the first tension member 250 canbe configured to resist rotational deflection of the outer supportmember 210 relative to the inner support member 220 by substantiallylimiting an elongation of the first tension member 250 (e.g., a forcegreater than the force introduced to deflect the outer support member210 in the direction of arrow DD would need to be exerted to producefurther substantial elongation of the first tension member 250). Inaddition, the pre-loaded compression within the compression member 230(e.g., as exerted by the first tension member 250 and the second tensionmember 255) can be such that the compression member 230 resists furthercompression (e.g., in the radial direction) exerted on the compressionmember 230 by the deflection of the outer support member 210 relative tothe inner support member 220.

The second tension member 255 can be configured to resist rotationaldeflection of the outer support member in a direction substantiallyopposite the direction of the arrow DD. For example, in someembodiments, it can be necessary to stop the operation of anelectromagnetic machine (e.g., stop the rotation of a rotor relative tothe stator). In such embodiments, forces can be introduced that urge thegenerator structure 200 and more specifically the outer support member210 to deflect in a direction substantially opposite the direction ofarrow DD. Therefore, the tension within the second tension member 255 isconfigured to resist the rotational deflection of the outer supportmember 210 in the direction opposite the direction of arrow DD.

Expanding further, the second tension member 255 can be placed under agiven amount of tension such that deflection of the outer support member210 in the direction of the arrow DD does not substantially place thesecond tension member 255 in a slack configuration. Said a differentway, the second tension member 255 can be maintained in tension when theouter support member 210 deflects in the rotational direction DD. Thus,when the forces are removed that urge rotational deflection of the outersupport member 210 (or the direction of the forces are substantiallyreversed as described above), the second tension member 255 ispredisposed in a sufficient magnitude of tension such that the secondtension member 255 does not move between a slacked configuration and atensioned configuration. In this manner, the second tension member 255substantially resists rotational deflection of the outer support member210 in the direction opposite the direction DD. In addition, with thetension members 250 and 255 coupled to the compression member 230, thecompression member 230 can resist axial and/or radial deflection of theouter support member 220 relative to the inner support member 210.

Furthermore, during normal operating conditions, it may be desirable tohave substantially no slack on the side of the compression member 230 towhich torsional forces are applied such that one tension member (250 or255) is more heavily stressed than the other tension member (250 or255). However, during non-standard operation conditions, such as shortcircuit events or braking, it may be desirable to permit some slack onthe tension member (250, 255) on the compression side of the compressionmember 230.

While the compression member 230 is shown in FIGS. 2-4 as being rigidlycoupled to the outer support member 210 and the inner support member220, in some embodiments, a generator structure can include acompression member that is coupled to an outer support member and aninner support member for pivotal motion. For example, FIG. 5 illustratesa portion of a generator structure 300, according to an embodiment. Thegenerator structure 300 includes an outer support member 310, an innersupport member 320, an elongate compression member 330 (also referred toherein as a “compression member”), a first elongate tension member 350,and a second elongate tension member 355 (also referred to herein as a“first tension member” and a “second tension member,” respectively). Thegenerator structure 300 can be substantially similar in form andfunction as the generator structure 200 described above with referenceto FIGS. 2-4. However, the generator structure 300 differs from thegenerator structure 200 in the manner in which the compression member330 is coupled to the outer support member 310 and the inner supportmember 320.

Expanding further, the compression member 330 includes a first endportion 331 and a second end portion 332. The first end portion 331includes a pivot mechanism 335 configured to pivotally couple the firstend portion 331 of the compression member 330 to the outer supportmember 310. The pivot mechanism 335 can be, for example, a pin (with orwithout a set of bearings), a bushing, a spherical joint, such as a balljoint, and/or any other suitable mechanism. In this manner, the firstend portion 331 of the compression member 330 can pivot relative to theouter support member 310 as indicated by the arrow EE. Moreover, thepivoting motion can be limited to a specific range such that thedeflection of the outer support member 310 is minimized.

The second end portion 332 can similarly include a pivot mechanism 336configured to pivotally couple the second end portion 332 of thecompression member 330 to the inner support member 320. The pivotmechanism 336 can be similar in form and function to the pivot mechanism335 of the first end portion 331. In this manner, the second end portion332 can pivot relative to the inner support member 320 as indicated bythe arrow FF. The pivotal coupling of the compression member 330 to theouter support member 310 and the inner support member 320 can be suchthat undesirable deflection of the outer support member 310 and/or thecompression member 330 is substantially reduced or eliminated. Forexample, in some embodiments that do not include a pivotal coupling ofthe compression member 330, reaction forces within the outer supportmember 310 and/or the compression member 330 can be such that the outersupport member 310 is urged to deflect in the axial and/or radialdirection. Thus, by allowing a given amount of rotational deflection ofthe outer support member 310 relative to the compression member 330(e.g., via the pivot mechanism 335), undesirable deflection of the outersupport member 310 in the axial and/or radial direction can besubstantially reduced or eliminated.

Although the pivotal movement of the compression member 330 is shown ina direction EE and a direction FF in alternative embodiments, a pivotalcoupling can be used that provides movement in other directions. Forexample, a pivotal coupling can be used that provides multiple degreesof freedom or directions of rotation of the compression member to reduceor eliminate buckling of the compression member in multiple directions.In some embodiments the pivotal coupling can include, for example, aspherical joint, such as a ball joint.

While the generator structures 200 and 300 described above include afirst tension member 250 and a second tension member 255, in someembodiments, a generator structure can include any suitable number oftension members. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of agenerator structure 400 according to another embodiment. The generatorstructure 400 includes an outer support member 410, an inner supportmember 420, an elongate compression member 430, a first elongate tensionmember 450, a second elongate tension member 455, a third elongatetension member 460, and a fourth elongate tension member 465. Thegenerator structure 400 can be substantially similar in function to thegenerator structure 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2-4;therefore, portions of the generator structure 400 are not described infurther detail herein.

As described above, a first end portion 451 of the first elongatetension member 450 (also referred to herein as “first tension member”450) and a first end portion 456 of the second elongate tension member455 (also referred to herein as “second tension member”455) areconfigured to be coupled to a portion of the compression member 430.More specifically, the first end portion 451 of the first tension member450 and the first end portion 456 of the second tension member 455 arecoupled to a first end portion 431 of the compression member 430. In asimilar manner, a first end portion 461 of the third elongate tensionmember 460 (also referred to herein as a “third tension member”) and afirst end portion 466 of the fourth elongate tension member 465 (alsoreferred to herein as a “fourth tension member”) can be coupled to asecond portion of the elongate compression member 430 (also referred toherein as a “compression member”). The third tension member 460 and thefourth tension member 465 can be configured to be coupled to thecompression member 430 at any suitable location along a length of thecompression member 430. For example, in some embodiments, the thirdtension member 460 and the fourth tension member 465 can be coupled to acenter portion 438 of the compression member 430. In other embodiments,the tension members 460 and 465 can be coupled to the compression member430 between the first end portion 431 and the center portion 438. Instill other embodiments, the tension members 460 and 465 can be coupledto the compression member 430 between the second end portion 435 and thecenter portion 438.

The first tension member 450, the second tension member 455, the thirdtension member 460, and the fourth tension member 465 each include asecond end portion (e.g., a second end portion 452, a second end portion457, a second end portion 462, and a second end portion 467,respectively). The second end portions 452, 457, 462, and 467 areconfigured to be coupled to the inner support member 420 as shown inFIG. 6. In some embodiments, the second end portions 452, 457, 462, and467 can be coupled to the inner support member 420 in a similar manneras described above with respect to FIGS. 2-4. In this manner, the firsttension member 450, the second tension member 455, the third tensionmember 460, and the fourth tension member 465 can be placed in tensionand be configured to resist axial and/or rotational deflection of theouter support member 410 relative to the inner support member 420.

The arrangement of the third tension member 460 and the fourth tensionmember 465 can further be configured to selectively exert a compressionforce on the compression member 430. Expanding further, the thirdtension member 460 and the fourth tension member 465 can be any suitablelength and be coupled at any suitable position along a length of thecompression member 430. Thus, when the third tension member 460 and thefourth tension member 465 are placed in tension, the third tensionmember 460 and the fourth tension member 465 can exert a compressionforce (e.g., in the radial direction) on a desired portion of thecompression member 430. In this manner, the compression within thecompression member 430 can be selectively defined to modify thecharacteristics and/or behavior of the compression member 430 (e.g.,points of deflection, areas of stress concentration, or the like). Inthis manner, the compression member 430, the first tension member 450,the second tension member 455, the third tension member 460, and thefourth tension member 465 collectively resist axial, radial, androtational deflection of the outer support member 410 relative to theinner support member 420, as described above in reference to thegenerator structure 200 shown in FIGS. 2-4. For example, the compressionmember 430 can resist axial and/or radial deflection of the outersupport member relative to the inner support member 410, and the tensionmembers (450, 455, 460, and 465) can each resist axial and/or rotationaldeflection of the outer support member 410 relative to the inner supportmember 420.

While the generator structures described above have included componentsthat are disposed at a substantially similar position along a given axis(e.g., along the axis of rotation of the rotor), in other embodiments,the components can be disposed at different locations along an axis ofrotation or along an axial width of the inner support member of thegenerator structure. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of agenerator structure 500 according to an embodiment. The generatorstructure 500 includes an outer support member 510, an inner supportmember 520, an elongate compression member 530, a first elongate tensionmember 550, a second elongate tension member 555, a third elongatetension member 560, and a fourth elongate tension member 565. Thegenerator structure 500 can be substantially similar in function to thegenerator structures described above; therefore, portions of thegenerator structure 500 are not described in further detail herein.

As described above in reference to the generator structure 200 shown inFIGS. 2-4, the elongate compression member 530 (also referred to hereinas a “compression member”) includes a first end portion 531 that iscoupled to the outer support member 510 and a second end portion 532that is coupled to the inner support member 520. Similarly, the firstelongate tension member 550, the second elongate tension member 555, thethird elongate tension member 560, and the fourth elongate tensionmember 565 (also referred to herein as a “first tension member,” a“second tension member,” a “third tension member,” and a “fourth tensionmember,” respectively) each include a first end portion (e.g., a firstend portion 551, a first end portion 556, a first end portion 561, and afirst end portion 566, respectively). The first end portions 551, 556,561, and 566 are coupled to the first end portion 531 of the compressionmember 530. Furthermore, first tension member 550, the second tensionmember 555, the third tension member 560, and the fourth tension member565 each include a second end portion (e.g., a second end portion 552, asecond end portion 557, a second end portion 562, and a second endportion 567, respectively). The second end portions 552, 557, 562, and567 are each coupled to the inner support member 520.

More specifically as shown in FIG. 7, the inner support member 520includes a first inner support portion 521 disposed at a first positionalong an axial width W of the inner support member 520, a second innersupport portion 523 disposed at a second position along the axial widthW, and a third inner support portion 525 disposed at a third positionalong the axial width W. The first tension member 550 and the secondtension member 555 are coupled to the first inner support portion 521,the compression member 530 coupled to the second inner support portion523, and the third tension member 560 and the fourth tension member 565are coupled to the third inner support portion 525. Therefore, thesecond end portions 552 and 557 of the first and second tension member550 and 555, respectively, are disposed at the first position along theaxial width W of the inner support member 520; the second end portion532 of the compression member 530 is disposed at the second positionalong the axial width W; and the second end portions 562 and 567 of thethird and fourth tension members 560 and 565, respectively, are disposedat the third position along the axial width W. Although not shown, in analternative embodiment, the compression member 530 can be pivotallycoupled to the outer support member 510 and pivotally coupled to theinner support member 520. In some such embodiments, the pivotal couplingof the compression member 530 can provide multiple directions ofrotation of the compression member 530 to reduce or eliminate bucklingof the compression member 530 in multiple directions.

The arrangement of the inner support member 520, the compression member530, the first tension member 550, the second tension member 555, thethird tension member 560, and the fourth tension member 565 isconfigured to resist axial, radial, and rotation deflection of the outersupport member 510 relative to the inner support member 520. Similarlystated, by disposing portions (e.g., the second end portions) of thetension members 550, 555, 560, and 565 and the compression member 530 atspaced locations in both the axial and rotational (e.g., at differentlocations along the circumference of the inner support member 520)directions, the tension members 550, 555, 560, 565 and the compressionmember 530 can further reduce the axial, radial, and rotationaldeflection of the outer support member 510 relative to the inner supportmember 520. Specifically, in this embodiment, the compression member 530can resist rotational and radial deflection of the outer support member510 relative to the inner support member 520, and the tension members550, 555, 560 and 565 can each resist axial and/or rotational deflectionof the outer support member 510 relative to the inner support member520.

While the generator structure 500 shown in FIG. 7 includes four tensionmembers disposed at a spaced distances from each other along thecircumference of the inner support member 520, in some embodiments, agenerator structure includes two tension members that are substantiallycoplanar relative to an axis defined by an inner support member. Forexample, FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a generator structure 600according to an embodiment. The generator structure 600 includes anouter support member 610, an inner support member 620, an elongatecompression member 630 (also referred to herein as “compression member”630), a first elongate tension member 650 and a second elongate tensionmember 655 (referred to herein as “first tension member” 650 and “secondtension member” 655, respectively). The generator structure 600 can besubstantially similar in function to the generator structures describedabove; therefore, portions of the generator structure 600 are notdescribed in further detail herein.

As described above in reference to previous embodiments, the compressionmember 630 includes a first end portion 631 that is coupled to the outersupport member 610 and a second end portion 632 that is coupled to theinner support member 620. Similarly, the first tension member 650 andthe second tension member 655 include a first end portion 651 and 656,respectively, each configured to be coupled to the first end portion 631of the compression member 630. Furthermore, the first tension member 650and the second tension member 655 include a second end portion 652 and657, respectively, each configured to be coupled to the inner supportmember 620.

As shown and described in reference to the inner support member 520 ofFIG. 7, the inner support member 620 has an axial width W and includes afirst inner support portion 621, a second inner support portion 623, anda third inner support portion 625. As shown in FIG. 8, the second endportion 652 of the first tension member 650 is coupled to the firstinner support portion 621, the second end portion 632 of the compressionmember 630 is coupled to the second inner support portion 623, and thesecond end portion 657 of the second tension member 655 is coupled tothe third inner support portion 625. In this manner, the compressionmember 630, the first tension member 650, and the second tension member655 are collectively configured to resist axial, radial, and rotationaldeflection of the outer support member 610 relative to the inner supportmember 620. More specifically, the first tension member 650 and thesecond tension member 655 can resist deflection of the outer supportmember 610 in the axial direction (e.g., a direction substantiallyparallel to the axial width W and the compression member 630 can resistrotational and/or radial deflection of the outer support member 610relative to the inner support member 620 (e.g., the geometry, thepre-loaded compression force exerted by the tension members 650 and 655,or the like can be configured to resist the deflection).

Referring now to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, a generator structure 700includes an outer support member 710, an inner support member 720, anelongate compression member 730 (also referred to herein as a“compression member”), a first elongate tension member 750 and a secondelongate tension member 755 (also referred to herein as “first tensionmember” and a “second tension member,” respectively), a first transversecompression member 780 and a second transverse compression member 782.The generator structure 700 can be substantially similar in function tothe generator structures described above; therefore, portions of thegenerator structure 700 are not described in further detail herein.

As described in detail above with respect to previous embodiments, thecompression member 730 includes a first end portion 731 coupled to theouter support member 710 and a second end portion 732 coupled to theinner support member 720. Similarly, the first tension member 750 andthe second tension member 755 each include a first end portion 751 and756, respectively, coupled to the compression member 730, and a secondend portion 752 and 757, respectively, coupled to the inner supportmember 720.

The first transverse compression member 780 (also referred to herein asa “first transverse member”) and the second transverse compressionmember 782 (also referred to herein as a “second transverse member”) caneach be coupled to the compression member 730 at any suitable locationalong a length of the compression member 730. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, the first transverse member 780 and the second transverse member782 can each be coupled to the compression member 730 at or near thefirst end portion 731. The first transverse member 780 and the secondtransverse 782 can each be coupled to the compression member 730 in anysuitable manner, such as, for example, with bolts or welding. In someembodiments, the first transverse member 780 and the second transversemember 782 can each be monolithically formed with the compression member730. In some embodiments, the transverse members 780 and 782 can bepivotally coupled to the compression member 730. For example, a pivotmechanism, similar to the pivot mechanism 335 described above forgenerator structure 300 can be used. The pivot mechanism can be, forexample, a pin (with or without a set of bearings), a bushing, aspherical joint and/or any other suitable mechanism that allows thetransverse members 780 and 782 to pivot or rotate relative to thecompression member 730.

In some embodiments, the first transverse member 780 and the secondtransverse member 782 are each coupled to the compression member 730such that the first transverse member 780 and the second transversemember 782 each extend substantially outward from a longitudinal axisdefined by the compression member 730. In some embodiments, the firsttransverse member 780 and the second transverse member 782 are eachcoupled to the compression member 730 such that the first transversemember 780 and the second transverse member 782 each extendsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by thecompression member 730. In yet other embodiments, the transverse members780 and 782 can be coupled to the compression member 730 such that thetransverse member 780 can extend at any suitable angle (e.g., an angleless than or greater than 90 degrees) from the compression member 730.

As shown in FIG. 9, the transverse members 780 and 782 are also coupledto a portion of the first tension member 750 and the second tensionmember 755, respectively, as described above with respect to FIG. 1. Forexample, the transverse members 780 and 782 can be coupled to the firsttension member 750 and the second tension member 755, respectively, forexample, with a bolt, by welding, a pivot mechanism, or other suitablecoupling member as described above. In some embodiments, the transversemembers 780 and 782 are coupled to a portion of the first tension member750 and a portion of the second tension member 755, respectively, suchthat the tension within the first tension member 750 and the tensionwithin the second tension member 755 is distributed in a given manner.For example, in some embodiments, the transverse members 780 and 782 canengage the first end portion 751 of the first tension member 750 and thefirst end portion 756 of the second tension portion 755, respectively,such that the tension within the first end portions 751 and 756 isincreased. In this manner, the transverse members 780 and 782 can beconfigured to substantially enhance, tune, or otherwise modify thedistribution and therefore, the effects of the tension within the firsttension member 750 and the second tension member 755.

In some embodiments, the transverse members 780 and 782 cansubstantially engage the first end portion 751 of the first tensionmember 750 and the first end portion 756 of the second tension member755, respectively, such that the first tension member 750 and the secondtension member 755 have a greater resistance to a rotational deflectionof the outer support member 710 relative to the inner support member720. Expanding further, the transverse members 780 and 782 can engagethe first end portion 751 of the first tension member 750 and the firstend portion 756 of the second tension member 755, respectively, suchthat an angle between the first end portions 751 and 756 and the firstend portion 731 of the compression member 730 is increased (e.g., thetransverse members 780 and 782 separate a portion of the first tensionmember 750 and a portion of the second tension member 755, respectively,from the first end portion 731 of the compression member 730). In thismanner, the tension within the first end portion 751 of the firsttension member 750 and the tension within the first end portion 756 ofthe second tension member 750 exerts a force that is more aligned withthe direction of rotational deflection of the outer support member 710.Thus, the first end portions 751 and 756 of the first tension member 750and the second tension member 755, respectively, can be in less tensionwhile still resisting rotational deflection of the outer support member710 relative to the inner support member 720.

Furthermore, the transverse members 780 and 782 can engage the firsttension member 750 and the second tension member 755, respectively, suchthat a portion of the tensile force (e.g., the tension) within thesecond end portions 752 and 757, respectively, exerts a compressionforce on the compression member 730 (e.g., in the radial direction).Similarly stated, the transverse member 780 can be configured totransfer a portion of the tension force to the compression member 730such that the compression member 730 is placed in compression. In someembodiments, the arrangement of the first transverse member 780 and thesecond transverse member 782 can substantially reduce bucklingsensitivity (or improve resistance to buckling) of compression member730 under the force exerted by the first tension member 750 and/or thesecond tension member 755 and/or bucking of the outer support member710. In some embodiments, the first transverse member 780 engages thefirst tension member 750 and second transverse member 782 engages thesecond tension member 755 such that the tension within the second endportions 752 and 757, respectively, exert a force on the compressionmember 730 that is more aligned with a longitudinal axis of thecompression member 730 (e.g., more aligned with the radial direction).Thus, the stresses within the compression member 730 can besubstantially reduced and the compression member 730 can further resistaxial, radial, and/or rotational deflection of the outer support member710.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a generator structure 800can include an outer support member 810, an inner support member 820, anelongate compression member 830 (also referred to herein as “compressionmember”), a first elongate tension member 850, a second elongate tensionmember 855, a third elongate tension member 860, a fourth elongatetension member 865 (also referred to herein as “first tension member,”“second tension member,” “third tension member” and fourth tensionmember,” respectively), a first transverse compression member 880, asecond transverse compression member 882, a third transverse compressionmember 890 and a fourth transverse compression member 892 (also referredto herein as “first transverse member,” “second transverse member,”“third transverse member,” and “fourth transverse member,”respectively). The generator structure 800 can be substantially similarin function to the generator structures described herein; therefore,portions of the generator structure 800 are not described in furtherdetail herein.

As shown in FIG. 10, the third transverse member 890 and the fourthtransverse member 892 are substantially similar in function to the firsttransverse member 880 and the second transverse member 882. In thismanner, the third transverse member 890 can be coupled to the thirdtension member 860 and the fourth transverse member 892 can be coupledto the fourth tension member 865 to further enhance, tune, or otherwisemodify the distribution and therefore, the effects of the tension withinthe third tension member 860 and the fourth tension member 865. Thus,the compression member 830, the tension members 850, 855, 860, and 865,and the transverse members 880, 882, 890, and 892 can be collectivelyconfigured to resist radial, axial, and rotational deflection of theouter support member 810 relative to the inner support member 820, asdescribed above.

While the generator structure 800 is shown in FIG. 10 as includingtension members 850, 855, 860 and 865 coupled to the inner supportmember 820 at substantially the same location along an axial width ofthe inner support member, in other embodiments, the tension members canbe distributed along the axial width of the inner support member in asimilar manner as described in reference to FIG. 7. In such anembodiment, the transverse compression members 880, 882, 890 and/or 892can extend perpendicular to the elongate compression member but in adirection parallel to an axis defined along the axial width of the innersupport member 820. In another alternative embodiment, the first andsecond transverse members 880, 882 and/or the third and fourthtransverse member 890, 892 can each be disposed at an angle less than orgreater than 90 degrees relative to the elongate compression member 830.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first and second transversemembers 880, 882 can be disposed at a different angle relative to theelongate compression member 830 than the third and fourth transversemember 890, 892.

Moreover, while the generator structure 800 is shown and described asincluding four transverse members and four tension members, inalternative embodiments, a generator structure can include any number oftransverse members and tension members. For example, in someembodiments, a generator structure can include a first and secondtransverse member and a first and second tension member coupled to afirst side of a compression member, and a third transverse member and athird tension member coupled to a second side of the compression member.

In some embodiments, an electromagnetic machine can be provided inseparate sections or portions that can be assembled together at adesired installation site for use. In this manner, for very largeelectromagnetic machines, such as, for example, an electric generatorfor a wind turbine, the separate sections or portions of theelectromagnetic machine can be easier and more practical to transport.In some embodiments, a kit or kits can be provided containing variouscombinations and/or sub-combinations of the structures for anelectromagnetic machine described herein. For example, in someembodiments, a kit can include one or more outer support member segmentsconfigured to support a conductive winding or a magnet, an inner supportmember or one or more inner support member segments, one or moreelongate compression members, one or more elongate tension members,and/or one or more transverse compression members, as described herein.The outer support member segment can be, for example, a portion orsegment of an outer support member. For example, in an embodiment inwhich the outer support member is a circular ring, the outer supportmember segment can be a portion of the circular ring, such as forexample, a fourth, a third, a half, etc. of the circular ring.Similarly, the inner support member (e.g., hub) can be provided insegments (e.g., a fourth, a third, a half, etc.) that can be assembledtogether at an installation site for use.

In this manner, a kit can be delivered to an installation site (e.g., awind farm) and assembled to form a portion or section of theelectromagnetic machine. In some embodiments, the kit can be assembledto form a portion of a generator structure. In such embodiments, the kitcan be coupled to any number of similar kits and/or to any othersuitable structure of the electromagnetic machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 of increasing thestructural efficiency and/or the resistance to deflection of a structureincluded in an electromagnetic machine. The method 900 can be used toassemble, for example, the generator structures described herein. Forexample, in some embodiments, the method 900 can be performed on and/orused to form a stator included in an electromagnetic machine. In otherembodiments, the method 900 can be performed on and/or used to form arotor.

The method 900 includes coupling a first end portion of a first elongatecompression member to an outer support member segment at 902. The outersupport member segment can be, for example, a portion of a printedcircuit board configured to encapsulate a series of windings. In otherembodiments, the outer support member segment can be configured toinclude or support a magnet. The method 900 further includes coupling asecond end portion of the first elongate compression member to an innersupport member at 904. The first end portion and the second end portionof the first elongate compression member can each be coupled using anysuitable method such as, for example, via a bolt(s), a pin, a weld(s), arivet(s), an adhesive, and/or the like.

The method 900 further includes coupling a first end portion of anelongate tension member to the first elongate compression member at 906.The elongate tension member can be configured to be coupled to the firstelongate compression member at any suitable location along a length ofthe first elongate compression member. For example, in some embodiments,the elongate tension member can be coupled to the first end portion ofthe first elongate compression member. In some embodiments, the elongatetension member can be coupled to a side of the first elongatecompression member that is substantially opposite a direction ofrotation of a rotor assembly.

At 908, a second end portion of the elongate tension member can becoupled to the inner support member or to a second elongate compressionmember. In some embodiments, the second end portion of the elongatetension member can be selectively coupled to the inner support membersuch that a tension within the elongate tension member can beselectively defined. In other embodiments, the second end portion of theelongate tension member can be selectively coupled to, for example, asecond end portion of an adjacent elongate compression member (e.g., thesecond elongate compression member). In such embodiments, the elongatetension member can be selectively coupled the second elongatecompression member such that the tension within the elongate tensionmember can be selectively defined. In this manner, at least the firstelongate compression member and the elongate tension member can becollectively configured to resist an axial, radial, and/or rotationaldeflection of the outer support member segment relative to the innersupport member.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, notlimitation, and various changes in form and details may be made. Anyportion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combinedin any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. Theembodiments described herein can include various combinations and/orsub-combinations of the functions, components and/or features of thedifferent embodiments described. For example, a structure for anelectromagnetic machine can include a different quantity and/orcombination of tension members, compression members and/or transversecompression members than shown with reference to specific embodiments.In another example, any of the embodiments described herein can includea compression member that is coupled to an outer support member and toan inner support member with a pivot mechanism similar to the pivotmechanisms 332 and 337 shown and described with reference to FIG. 5.

In addition, it should be understood that the features, components andmethods described herein for each of the various embodiments can beimplemented in a variety of different types of electromagnetic machines,such as, for example, axial and radial machines that can supportrotational movement of a rotor assembly relative to a stator assembly.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a structure for anelectromagnetic machine including: an outer support member configured tosupport one of a conductive winding or a magnet; an inner supportmember; a first elongate compression member; a second elongatecompression member; and an elongate tension member, each of the firstelongate compression member and second elongate compression memberhaving a first end coupled to the outer support member and a second endcoupled to the inner support member, the elongate tension member havinga first end portion coupled to a portion of the first compression memberand a second end portion coupled to at least one of the inner supportmember and the second elongate compression member, the elongate tensionmember being under tension and applying a compressive force to the firstelongate compression member when the structure for an electromagneticmachine is in an unloaded state.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe elongate tension member is a first elongate tension member, thestructure for an electromagnetic machine including a second elongatetension member, the first end portion of the first elongate tensionmember coupled to the first elongate compression member at a firstlocation, the second elongate tension member having a first end portioncoupled to the first elongate compression member at a second location onthe first elongate compression member different than the first locationand a second end portion coupled to at least one of the inner supportmember and the second compression member, each of the first elongatetension member and the second elongate tension member being configuredto resist rotational deflection of the outer support member relative tothe inner support member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelongate tension member is a first elongate tension member, thestructure for an electromagnetic machine including a second elongatetension member and a third elongate compression member, the firstelongate tension member configured to resist rotational deflection ofthe outer support member relative to the inner support member in a firstrotational direction, the second elongate tension member having a firstend portion coupled to the first elongate compression member and asecond end portion coupled to at least one of the inner support memberand the third elongate compression member, the second elongate tensionmember configured to resist rotational deflection of the outer supportmember relative to the inner support member in a second rotationaldirection, opposite to the first rotational direction.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the elongate tension member is a first elongatetension member, the structure for an electromagnetic machine furtherincluding a second elongate tension member, a first transversecompression member and a second transverse compression member, thesecond end portion of the first elongate tension member coupled to oneof the inner support member and the second compression member at a firstlocation, the second elongate tension member having a first end portioncoupled to the first elongate compression member and a second endportion coupled to one of the inner support member and the secondelongate compression member at a second location different than thefirst location, the first transverse compression member coupled to thefirst elongate tension member and coupled to the first elongatecompression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of the firstelongate compression member, the second transverse compression membercoupled to the second elongate tension member and coupled to the firstelongate compression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of the firstelongate compression member, the first transverse compression member andthe second transverse compression member collectively providingincreased resistance to buckling of the first compression member.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the structure for an electromagneticmachine further includes a transverse compression member coupled to theelongate tension member and coupled to the first elongate compressionmember such that a length of the transverse compression member extendsat an angle relative to a length of the first elongate compressionmember, the transverse compression member providing increased resistanceto buckling of the first elongate compression member.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the elongate tension member is a first elongatetension member, the structure for an electromagnetic machine including asecond elongate tension member, the inner support member having an axialwidth, the second end portion of the first elongate tension member beingcoupled to the inner support member at a first location along the axialwidth of the inner support member, the second elongate tension memberhaving a first end portion coupled to the first elongate compressionmember and a second end portion coupled to the inner support member at asecond location along the axial width of the inner support memberdifferent than the first location along the axial width of the innersupport member, each of the first elongate tension member and the secondelongate tension member configured to resist axial deflection of theouter support member relative to the inner support member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first elongatecompression member is coupled to the outer support member such that thefirst elongate compression member can rotate relative to the outersupport member, and the second end of the first elongate compressionmember is coupled to the inner support member such that the firstelongate compression member can rotate relative to the inner supportmember.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate tension memberis a first elongate tension member, the structure for an electromagneticmachine further including a second elongate tension member, a firsttransverse compression member and a second transverse compressionmember, the first end portion of the first elongate tension membercoupled to the first compression member at a first location on the firstelongate compression member, the second elongate tension member having afirst end portion coupled to the first elongate compression member at asecond location different than the first location and a second endportion coupled to one of the inner support member and the secondelongate compression member, the first transverse compression membercoupled to the first elongate tension member and coupled to the firstelongate compression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends substantially perpendicular to a length ofthe first elongate compression member, the second transverse compressionmember coupled to the second elongate tension member and coupled to thefirst elongate compression member such that a length of the secondtransverse compression member extends substantially perpendicular to alength of the first elongate compression member, the length of the firsttransverse compression member being greater than the length of thesecond transverse compression member, the first transverse compressionmember and the second transverse compression member collectivelyproviding increased resistance to buckling of the first compressionmember.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: a structure for an electromagneticmachine including: an outer support member configured to support one ofa conductive winding or a magnet; an inner support member having anaxial width; an elongate compression member; a first elongate tensionmember; and a second elongate tension member, the elongate compressionmember having a first end coupled to the outer support member and asecond end coupled to the inner support member at a first location alongthe axial width of the inner support member, the first elongate tensionmember having a first end portion coupled to a portion of thecompression member and a second end portion coupled to the inner supportmember at a second location along the axial width of the inner supportmember different than the first location along the axial width of theinner support member, the first elongate tension member configured toresist axial deflection of the outer support member relative to theinner support member, the second elongate tension member having a firstend portion coupled to the elongate compression member and a second endportion coupled to the inner support member at a third location alongthe axial width of the inner support member, the second elongate tensionmember configured to resist axial deflection of the outer support memberrelative to the inner support member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the second location along the axial width of the inner supportmember is between the first location along the axial width of the innersupport member and the third location along the axial width of the innersupport member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first elongatetension member configured to resist axial deflection of the outersupport member relative to the inner support member in a first axialdirection, the second elongate tension member configured to resist axialdeflection of the outer support member relative to the inner supportmember in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a transversecompression member coupled to the first elongate tension member andcoupled to the compression member such that a length of the transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of theelongate compression member, the transverse compression member providingincreased resistance to buckling of the elongate compression member. 13.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the structure for an electromagneticmachine includes a first transverse compression member and a secondtransverse compression member, the first transverse compression membercoupled to the first elongate tension member and coupled to the elongatecompression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of theelongate compression member, a second transverse compression membercoupled to the second elongate tension member and coupled to theelongate compression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of theelongate compression member, the first transverse compression member andthe second transverse compression member collectively providingincreased resistance to buckling of the first compression member. 14.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the first end of the compressionmember is coupled to the outer support member such that the elongatecompression member can rotate relative to the outer support member, andthe second end of the compression member is coupled to the inner supportmember such that the elongate compression member can rotate relative tothe inner support member.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each ofthe first elongate tension member and the second elongate tension memberis under tension and applies a compressive force to the first elongatecompression member when the structure for an electromagnetic machine isin an unloaded state.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein thestructure for an electromagnetic machine further including a firsttransverse compression member and a second transverse compressionmember, the first transverse compression member coupled to the firstelongate tension member and coupled to the first elongate compressionmember such that a length of the second transverse compression memberextends substantially perpendicular to a length of the first elongatecompression member, the second transverse compression member coupled tothe second elongate tension member and coupled to the first elongatecompression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends substantially perpendicular to a length ofthe first elongate compression member, the length of the firsttransverse compression member being greater than the length of thesecond transverse compression member, the first transverse compressionmember and the second transverse compression member collectivelyproviding increased resistance to buckling of the first compressionmember.
 17. A kit, comprising: an outer support member segmentconfigured to support one of a conductive winding or a magnet; an innersupport member; a first elongate compression member having a first endconfigured to be coupled to the outer support member segment and asecond end configured to be coupled to the inner support member; a firstelongate tension member having a first end portion configured to becoupled to a portion of the compression member and a second end portionconfigured to be coupled to at least one of the inner support member anda second elongate compression member; and a second elongate tensionmember having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the firstelongate compression member and a second end portion configured to becoupled to one of the inner support member and a third elongatecompression member, the outer support member segment, the inner supportmember, the elongate compression member, the first elongate tensionmember and the second elongate tension member each configured to bedisposed within a structure for an electromagnetic machine, the firstelongate tension member configured to resist rotational deflection ofthe outer support member segment relative to the inner support member ina first rotational direction when coupled thereto, the second elongatetension member configured to resist rotational deflection of the outersupport member segment relative to the inner support member in a secondrotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, whencoupled thereto.
 18. The kit of claim 7, wherein the first elongatetension member is configured to be coupled to the first elongatecompression member at a first location on the first elongate compressionmember, the kit further comprising: the second elongate compressionmember; the second elongate tension member configured to be coupled tothe first elongate compression member at a second location on the firstelongate compression member different than the first location, thesecond elongate tension member configured to resist axial deflection ofthe outer support member segment relative to the inner support memberwhen coupled thereto, the second elongate compression configured to bedisposed within the structure for an electromagnetic machine.
 19. Thekit of claim 17, further comprising: a transverse compression memberconfigured to be coupled to the first elongate tension member and thefirst elongate compression member such that a length of the transversecompression member extends substantially perpendicular to a length ofthe first elongate compression member, the transverse compression memberproviding increased resistance to buckling of the first compressionmember when coupled thereto.
 20. The kit of claim 17, the kit furtherincluding a first transverse compression member and a second transversecompression member, the first transverse compression member configuredto be coupled to the first elongate tension member and the firstelongate compression member such that a length of the first transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of the firstelongate compression member, the second transverse compression memberconfigured to be coupled to the second elongate tension member and thefirst elongate compression member such that a length of the secondtransverse compression member extends at an angle relative to a lengthof the first elongate compression member, the first transversecompression member and the second transverse compression membercollectively providing increased resistance to buckling of the firstcompression member.
 21. The kit of claim 17, wherein the kit furtherincludes a first transverse compression member and a second transversecompression member, the first end portion of the first elongate tensionmember configured to be coupled to the first compression member at afirst location on the first compression member, the first end portion ofthe second elongate tension member configured to be coupled to the firstelongate compression member at a second location different than thefirst location, the first transverse compression member configured to becoupled to the first elongate tension member and the first elongatecompression member such that a length of the second transversecompression member extends at an angle relative to a length of the firstelongate compression member, the second transverse compression memberconfigured to be coupled to the second elongate tension member and thefirst elongate compression member such that a length of the secondtransverse compression member extends substantially at an angle relativeto a length of the first elongate compression member, the length of thefirst transverse compression member being greater than the length of thesecond transverse compression member, the first transverse compressionmember and the second transverse compression member collectivelyproviding increased resistance to buckling of the first compressionmember.